Growing ICS Network supporting T-level industry placements

The Integrated Care System (ICS) Industry Placement Network, launched in September 2023, has swiftly expanded its reach and influence within health and care sector employers aiming to integrate T-levels into their organisations’ workforce strategies. The Network’s growth to over 220 members across 41 ICSs underscores its significance in facilitating practical support and disseminating policy information.

The purpose of the Network is to support health and care organisations to effectively implement, embed, and expand industry placements for T-level students. While initially focused on Health and Healthcare Science T-levels, the Network has broadened its scope to encompass Digital, Engineering and Manufacturing (E&M), and Construction routes, as employers are integrating T-levels into their wider workforce planning.

Participation in the Network offers numerous benefits to its members:

• Shared good practice: Access to case studies and good practice from ICSs, NHS Trusts, and other health and care organisations.
• Dedicated adviser: Provision of guidance and one-to-one support from an adviser with expertise in both the health sector and T-levels.
• Practical research and guidance: Access to tailored research and guidance materials developed specifically for health and care institutions.
• Webinars and seminars: Opportunities to participate in webinars and seminars covering topics requested by the Network, such as placement models and objectives.
• Innovative project support: Access to a fund to support innovative T-level projects, fostering experimentation and creativity within the sector.

Simon Bone, an Industry Placement Coordinator from Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, emphasises the importance of the Network in shaping the future of engagement between the health and care sector and young people, highlighting a crucial role in establishing sustainable talent pipelines from education to the workforce that aligns with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan:

“Being part of the national ICS Network is a crucial platform to engage with colleagues from across the country; sharing good practice and helping shape the future for engagement with young people and education routes for all of the health and care sector. We all know how imperative it is to ensure young people have the right information to make informed career choices, and that that needs to be reinforced by the creation of opportunities across our sector. The formation of new and long-term sustainable talent pipelines from education into our workforce is an essential part of our NHS LTWP, and this group of key professionals from across the sector are key to helping unlock the workforce of the future, as well as developing our approach to deliver this, ensuring impact moving forwards.”

In essence, the Network serves as a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, driving forward the integration of T-levels into the health and care workforce strategy. Gatsby is delighted to be facilitating the network in collaboration with the Department for Education.

If you would like to know more about the ICS Industry Placement Network, and Gatsby’s work to support T-levels in Health and Science, please contact Claire Reynolds, Project Manager, claire.reynolds@gatsby.org.uk